Light and GABAA receptor activation alter Period mRNA levels in the SCN of diurnal Nile grass rats

Dec 13, 2006The European journal of neuroscience

Light and GABA Receptor Activation Change Daily Gene Levels in the Brain’s Internal Clock of Day-Active Nile Grass Rats

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Abstract

Per1 mRNA was highest in the early to mid-subjective day, while Per2 mRNA levels peaked in the late subjective day.

  • Per1 and Per2 mRNA levels vary rhythmically in the suprachiasmatic nucleus over a circadian cycle in constant darkness.
  • Acute light exposure in the early subjective night significantly increases both Per1 and Per2 mRNA levels.
  • Injection of the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol into the SCN during the subjective day decreases Per2 mRNA levels 1 and 2 hours post-injection, but does not affect Per1 levels.
  • Muscimol reduces light-induced Per2 mRNA in the early subjective night, while the induction of Per1 by light remains unaffected.
  • Phase shifts induced by muscimol during the daytime are associated with significant decreases in Per2 mRNA, suggesting a potential mechanism for phase delays in diurnal animals.

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Full Text

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